Eric, a nature photographer from Miami, loved destinations where he could venture far from tourist crowds. When he heard about Guyana, a country often overlooked on travel itineraries, he knew it was exactly the kind of place he wanted to explore. What he didn’t know was just how much the journey would change him.
His adventure began in Bartica, a small riverside town often referred to as the “Gateway to the Interior.” From Bartica, Eric hopped on a speedboat heading up the Essequibo River, one of South America’s mightiest waterways. The ride alone was exhilarating, with the dense jungle lining both sides of the river and colorful birds swooping overhead. Along the way, his guide pointed out river islands and even the ruins of Fort Kyk-Over-Al, a Dutch fort built in the 17th century. “History and wilderness in one,” Eric thought as he snapped photos of the crumbling structure framed by lush greenery.
From Bartica, Eric headed to Mount Roraima, a colossal tabletop mountain straddling the borders of Guyana, Brazil, and Venezuela. The trek to the summit was challenging, but Eric was rewarded with views that felt otherworldly—rolling mist, crystal-clear streams, and dramatic cliffs that seemed to touch the sky. Camping at the top, surrounded by surreal rock formations and silence, Eric felt like he had stepped into a different planet. “This is untouched nature at its finest,” he wrote in his travel journal.
Next on his list was the Kanuku Mountains, a less-explored range in southern Guyana known for its incredible biodiversity. Staying at a small guesthouse in Lethem, Eric ventured into the surrounding savannahs and forests with an Indigenous guide. Together, they tracked giant anteaters, watched harpy eagles in flight, and fished in hidden streams. At night, the clear skies offered an unbroken view of the Milky Way, reminding Eric why he loved exploring places far from city lights.
One of the highlights of Eric’s journey was a visit to Orinduik Falls, a series of cascades on the Ireng River near the Brazilian border. Unlike the towering Kaieteur Falls, Orinduik was intimate and perfect for swimming. Eric spent hours lounging in the cool, mineral-rich waters, letting the gentle currents wash away the fatigue from his trek to Mount Roraima.
Eric’s final off-the-beaten-path experience took him to the Shell Beach Nature Reserve on Guyana’s northern coast. Accessible only by boat, this remote stretch of coastline is a vital nesting site for four species of sea turtles, including the giant leatherback. At night, under a blanket of stars, Eric joined conservationists monitoring turtle nests. He watched in awe as a leatherback emerged from the sea to lay her eggs, her massive silhouette illuminated by the moonlight. “It’s moments like this,” Eric thought, “that remind you how precious and fragile our world is.”
As his journey came to an end, Eric reflected on the places he’d seen and the people he’d met. Guyana wasn’t just a destination for adventure—it was a country that invited you to step outside your comfort zone, to embrace the wild, and to discover the extraordinary in the remote. For Eric, it was more than a trip. It was a call to keep exploring.
